1,685 Kites Fill the Sky at Mel Tanjung Kite Festival in Sanur, Bali

The 17th Mel Tanjung Kite Festival (MTKF) was held at Mertasari Beach in Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, officially opened by Denpasar Deputy Mayor I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa, who kicked off the event by flying a kite before competitions began.

According to festival supervisor I Wayan Mariyana Wandhira, this year's theme, "Bhumi Samudra Akasa Sanggama," represents harmony between land, sea, and sky as the foundation for cultural continuity across generations. The event also serves as a platform to strengthen bonds among young people and the kite-flying community.

Competition categories included traditional kite types such as Bebean, Janggan, and Pecuk, as well as mini kites, plastic kites, and Celepuk kites. For the traditional kite category, participants were required to use fabric featuring Bali's signature red, yellow, black, and white color scheme, preserving the visual identity of traditional Balinese kites.

Participants came from youth groups (sekaa), clubs, and individuals, with a total of 1,685 kites taking part. The festival runs over three days.

The Deputy Mayor praised the event's role in preserving Denpasar's kite culture and tradition, pledging continued municipal support. He also noted the potential for kite-flying traditions to develop into a cultural tourism attraction in Bali.